Gemotions

The phone rang, jolting Emily. She nearly jumped out of her skin. She fumbled for it, her heart hammering against her ribs. It was her mother. Emily forced a smile into her voice, the strain evident despite her best efforts. "Everything's fine," she chirped, but her voice was tight.

Her hands were clammy as she hung up. The rejection email from the publisher remained unopened. She glanced at the clock, then at the half-finished cup of tea growing cold on her desk. She’d promised herself she’d tackle it after tea. After all, the manuscript was more than a manuscript; it was her heart.